To live fully, outwardly and inwardly, not to ignore the external reality for the sake of the inner life, or the reverse, that's quite a task
Etty HillesumRead
As life becomes harder and more threatening, it also becomes richer, because the fewer expectations we have, the more good things of life become unexpected gifts that we accept with gratitude.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life's challenges can lead to greater appreciation for unexpected joys.
In this quote, Etty Hillesum reflects on the duality of life's challenges and blessings. As we encounter hardships, our expectations diminish, allowing us to recognize and cherish the small, unexpected joys that come our way. This perspective encourages gratitude and helps us find richness in our experiences, even during difficult times.
Themes
LifeGratitudeExpectationsChallengesJoy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about resilience, you might say, 'As life becomes harder and more threatening, it also becomes richer, because the fewer expectations we have, the more good things of life become unexpected gifts that we accept with gratitude.'
More from Etty Hillesum
All quotes →Thinking gets you nowhere. It may be a fine and noble aid in academic studies, but you can't think your way out of emotional difficulties. That takes something altogether different. You have to make yourself passive then, and just listen. Re-establish contact with a slice of eternity.
Etty HillesumRead
The more peace there is in us, the more peace there will be in our troubled world.
Etty HillesumRead
We have to fight them daily, lake fleas, those many small worries about the morrow, for they sap our energies.
Etty HillesumRead
Each of us must turn inward and destroy in himself all that he thinks he ought to destroy in others.
Etty HillesumRead
I think what weakens people most is fear of wasting their strength.
Etty HillesumRead
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